North Fork John Day Watershed Council: Community Focused, Landscape Reflected!

Eons ago, the mighty John Day River carved out a grand landscape that, today, provides a rich community of geology, plants, animals and people. The North Fork John Day Watershed takes pride in supporting the ecosystems and communities of this magnificent setting through restoration, education, landowner assistance and community service. We are a private non-profit organization that inspires awareness of the landscape and success of the people who call this landscape home.

We welcome you to become familiar with the sights and happenings here in the shadow of Oregon’s Blue Mountains. Learn about the ecology. View some of our restoration projects. Participate in our learning opportunities.

What's Happening

Do you enjoy being outdoors and working with high school aged youth? We are looking for college aged or older men and women who are looking to work for an organization that strives to make a difference. The North Fork John Day Watershed Council is seeking Summer Conservation Corps Crew Leaders to guide and encourage crews of 4 – 5 youth employees, ages 15- 24 in accomplishing natural resource work.

Native Species of the Week

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon)

Image Courtesy of C.T. Johansson

The shooting star flower is wild spring ephemeral. Ephemeral flowers have a short lived blooming time. They don’t really die, but instead go dormant until the next cycle. The shooting star blooms from May through June. The flower gets its name from the shape of its petals and lobes once in bloom. There are five petals which, when in full bloom, uniquely grow backwards thus resembling a shooting star. What do you think? “Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight!”

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Just for Kids

Snails

Photo by Francisco Welter Schultes

Snails may be one of the slowest creatures on earth, but they play an important role in the ecosystem. Not only do they help with the decomposition process, but their herbivore lifestyle influences plant populations. To learn more about snails, their anatomy and other interesting facts: Visit our kids’ page to learn more about animals and plants in your watershed, including fun activities!